A Castlebar Councillor has called on Mayo County Council to take urgent action on the illegal parking of a number of caravans in an area at Cloonkeen, between Castlebar and Westport, and in other areas of the county town.

Fianna Fail Councillor Al McDonnell raised the issue at a recent meeting of the Castlebar Municipal District, where he called on the council to act in relation to the unauthorised parking of caravans at the Cois Abhann housing estate and the N5 Business Park.

Councillor McDonnell is particularly concerned about caravans parking at a site in Cloonkeen, where planning permission for a house was refused previously over traffic dangers.

He says the parking of caravans and other vehicles at this location also poses a traffic danger.

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Midwest News asked Saolta since last week, to clarify if there continues to be crossover of staff at Mayo University Hospital between Covid 19 and non Covid 19 patients. We asked for an interview with the CEO of Saolta Tony Canavan or the Manager of Mayo…

Yesterday marked the first time no new virus-related deaths were recorded since March 21st, and it came on the back of a recent downward trend. Dr Tony Holohan has described the latest Covid-19 figures as a "positive development," but warned against…

No new Covid-19 deaths have been reported today. It's the first time since mid-March. 59 new cases of the virus have been confirmed. It means the death toll from the virus remains at 1,606 while the total number of cases is 24,698.

The Saolta Hospital Group has issued a statement to Midwest News this evening, stating that Mayo University Hospital "has implemented a range of infection prevention and control practices to manage suspect and confirmed Covid-19 patients and reduce Covid…

Priests have hit out at people who are calling for public Masses to be reinstated. The Association of Catholic Priests says it is 'grossly irresponsible'. The association has released a statement, saying "efforts demanding that churches be kept open and…

Online registration for Leaving Cert calculated grades opens tomorrow at 10am. Participating students should log on to gov.ie/leavingcertificate where they will be be asked which level they are choosing. They will need: their exam number, their PPS number,…

Ballinrobe, Castlebar and Claremorris Musical Societies are among eight musical societies in the Western region who have been nominated for AIMS awards this year. Ballinrobe Musical Society were nominated for two awards following their production of "The…

Irish Water has launched advice for businesses that are reopening their premises after lockdown. The company has published a list of measures that owners and managers can take to mitigate risks such as leaks, blockages and stagnant water. Irish Water says a…

Trocaire is urging people across the West to return their boxes, after donations to its Lenten Appeal fell by almost two-thirds, due to Covid-19. The charity has issued an urgent appeal to supporters to return donations from their Trocaire boxes, as the 60%…

Eir say they're working to resolve a problem in areas of Mayo and Sligo, which has impacted on mobile phone and broadband coverage for a number of customers. The company says there was an ESB power outage over the weekend which impacted on the Eir networks in…

There were reports circulating on social media over the weekend that a direct provision centre for asylum seekers was to be located in Westport town. Midwest News contacted Minister Michael Ring today and asked him about the rumours. Minister Ring says he was…

Saolta, the organisation in charge of hospitals across this region, now needs to come out and clarify to the public if crossover of staff at Mayo University Hospital between covid and non covid patients is continuing. That’s the view of Aontu member in Mayo…

The Sligo town of Tubbercurry is hoping to reap the rewards of the hit T.V phenomenon that is ‘Normal People’. Adapted from Castlebar woman Sally Rooney’s novel, the show follows the story of two teenagers and their relationship from sixth year until the end…

Hairdressers will present numerous proposals to the government this week in an effort to open earlier than planned.The proposals include over 100 recommendations like wearing PPE and removing magazines.Hair salons and barber shops are due to reopen on July…

Gardaí from Mayo Divisional Roads Policing Unit stopped a motorist driving in excess of the speed limit on the N5. It was also established that the car did not have an NCT Certificate and the driver was in possession of a Fake Driving Licence. Gardaí detained…

A Westport councillor has called on local community and residents groups to look at potential cycle routes in their area, and then bring their ideas to local councillors. Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn says Minister Ring’s department is open to funding such…

The Government is said to be considering accelerating the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions if the number of new cases continues to decline. The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar may make an announcement in early June on easing parts of the lockdown. The next phase in…

Recipients of the Covid-19 unemployment payment could be in for a “terrible shock” at the end of the year if an awareness campaign explaining that they could have a tax liability for the benefit does not start soon, a Sligo TD has warned. Independent…

A Mayo Green Party member says she would be 'absolutely shocked' if the party's grassroots membership voted in favour of a programme for government with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. 2020 General Election candidate, Saoirse McHugh, made the comments earlier this…

Two former students of St. Muredach’s college in Ballina have launched an eco-friendly clothing range. Richard Grimes (20) from Enniscrone and Peter Timlin (19) from Ballina have spent the past few months establishing their Pure clothing brand and are now…

The Government must stand up for business owners and people who are self-employed against the Insurance Industry and the Banks. That's the view of Mayo Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway-Walsh who says business people are wondering whether the insurance industry is…

Tens of thousands of workers who were getting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be moved to receiving jobseekers' benefit. The Sunday Times reports ministers will present plans to cut back the payment for part-time workers next week. It follows claims by…

Nursing homes were told not to reveal the extent of any Covid-19 outbreaks to residents' families. The Business Post reports a Nursing Homes Ireland memo from March advised managers not to provide updates on "the total number of suspected confirmed cases…

The Leaving Cert isn't as fair as people think, according to a UCD Professor and former teacher. Covid-19 has meant for the first time the written exams have been cancelled and replaced with predictive grades, which will be given by teachers. Carnacon woman…

A market in Galway City has reopened today for food traders only following its closure because of a lack of social distancing yesterday. Galway City Council were advised by Gardaí to close St Nicholas' market as they believed the public were not adhering the…

Castlebar Gardaí recovered a bicycle stolen from the GMIT car park at Mayo University Hospital which belonged to a frontline worker. The property was taken from the bike shelter in the car park on Thursday while its owner was working in the hospital. Gardaí…

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of an additional 13 deaths related to Covid-19, bringing the total number of deaths in Ireland related to the novel coronavirus to 1,604. A further 76 confirmed cases have also been announced. There…

There was a community meeting at the Kilnageer railway crossing today where the new lights system were activated during the week. Cllrs Al McDonnell, Ger Deere and Cyril Burke were all in attendance. The community spoke about their disappointment with the new…

The Taoiseach says the current two metre rules around social distancing still stand. The issue was raised at Cabinet yesterday, with some ministers calling for it to be reduced to one metre, in line with WHO recommendations. It's expected it'll once again be…

The Health Minister has announced the establishment of a Covid 19 nursing home expert panel. It'll look at the measures currently in place here to protect residents, and review the international response to coronavirus in those settings. 867 people living in…

The transformation of Lissadell House in Co Sligo into a major music venue will provide a boost to the hospitality sector across the region in the wake of Covid-19. That's according to Constance Cassidy and Constance Walsh of Lissadell House, who revealed to…

Researchers at NUI Galway, who operate the Covid-19 fact checking website iHealthFacts, have found the most commonly asked question is whether the public should wear face masks. The Health Research Board set up the website in April and has recently dismissed…

A Radiography Assistant whose bicycle was stolen, received a brand new complimentary one yesterday. Claire Walsh's yellow and black bike was stolen from Mayo University Hospital's GMIT shelter on Thursday. Westport Bike Shop delivered a brand new one to the…

Some government ministers are pushing for physical distancing rules to be relaxed. The Irish Examiner reports 'robust' discussions were held at Cabinet yesterday about changing the advice from two metres to one. Current World Health Organisation guidelines…

€243,000 in funding has been approved for the Downpatrick Head Community Water Connection. That’s according to the Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring. The Fine Gael TD confirmed that Minister Eoghan Murphy signed off on approval for the…

An easing of Covid-19 restrictions for children could be introduced early next month. The National Public Health Emergency Team's working with several Government departments to examine how some measures could be lifted for under-18s in Phase 2, due to come…

A woman has been arrested and 50,000 euro worth of drugs have been seized in Co. Roscommon. The cocaine was discovered after Gardaí stopped and searched a vehicle on the N5 at Tulsk at around 7:30 yesterday evening. A woman in her late teens was arrested and…

The ASTI has advised its members to engage with the calculated grades system for this year's Leaving Cert. The union's resolved a dispute with the Department of Education over legal protection for teachers. The calculated grades system for this year's Leaving…

The go ahead has been given for a new fire station for Crossmolina and the project has opened for receipt of tenders for construction on Etenders today. The closing date for receipt of tenders is 1st July and all going to plan we should see the long awaited…

The chimney of the Old Connacht Laundry Site in Galway City collapsed in the early hours of this morning, resulting in the closure of St. Helen’s Street for much of the morning. A passerby contacted Mill Street Gardaí at 8:30am this morning after they saw the…

The GMA (General Municipal Allocation) monies that had been “paused” by council officials last week for voluntary and community groups across county Mayo are now to be paid out in agreed phases. The development has emerged following a meeting yesterday…

Gardaí in Galway arrested a man and seized more than €31,000 in cash, and suspected cocaine from a house in Galway city yesterday. At 10pm last night gardaí attached to the Divisional Drugs Unit searched a house under warrant at Ballybane in the city, where…

Funding allocated to support the Tidy Towns groups this year is still be available to them, even though the SuperValu TidyTowns competition has had to be cancelled this year due to public health considerations. That has been confirmed by Minister for Rural…

The tender for road realignment at Twenty Minute Hill on the N83, Tuam to Dunmore Road, will be published in the coming weeks, according to Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney. Minister Canney told Midwest News today that this section of…

The death has taken place of Anthony Vesey of Castlebar. Mr Vesey stood as an Independent candidate in last year’s local elections. He was a member of the Irish Republican Socialist Party and the party has paid tribute to him on social media saying that,…

The bicycle of a frontline worker at Mayo University Hospital was stolen yesterday. The Castlebar woman started her shift at the hospital at 8:30 yesterday morning and she left to go home to find her bicycle was missing. The bicycle was left in the bike…

Some Covid-19 restrictions could be eased sooner, specifically for children and their parents. The National Public Health Emergency Team meets this morning to examine how to lift some of the measures to reduce the burden on young families. Public health…

West Mayo Councillors have called on the Minister for Education to intervene and insist that the site and funding promised by the Dept of Education for a new school building for The Holy Trinity school in Westport is immediately provided. The issue was raised…

Mayo teenagers Sophia Hession, Orlaith Heaney, Caoimhe Monaghan and Aoibheann Mangan from Mount St Michael Secondary school in Claremorris, were named as winners of the Junior Eco Community Development Award at the Young Environmentalist Awards hosted by…

Three yellow wind warnings are in place across the country. The warnings are impacting on counties Mayo, Galway, Donegal, Sligo, Clare and Kerry and will be in effect until 9pm tonight. Met Eireann says 'unseasonably' windy weather is leading to gusts of up…

Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon/Galway Claire Kerrane has accused Minister Creed of having a ‘total hands-off approach’ to Covid-19 outbreaks in meat factories. Deputy Kerrane was speaking during statements and questions with the Minister for Agriculture in the…

Planning is underway for a potential second wave of the Coronavirus this autumn that could coincide with flu season. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the virus has been effectively suppressed in the community and the current data is positive. A decision on…

Gyms could open sooner than the 10th of August, if the government had enough Health and Safety (HSA) inspectors in place. That’s the view of Ballina based gym owner Paul Ginty of Quay Fitness Ballina. He is calling on the Minister for Sport Shane Ross, to…

Met Eireann has extended its wind warnings for coastal counties tonight and tomorrow. A status yellow wind warning is in place for counties Mayo and Galway which will come into effect from 9pm tonight until 9pm tomorrow night. A yellow wind warning has also…

The Saolta Hospital group needs to make a statement urgently on claims of a crossover of nursing staff between Covid and non-Covid patients at Mayo University Hospital. That's the view of Mayo Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary, who has also written to the Minister…

Gardai will undertake a 24-hour National Slow Down Day from 7am tomorrow morning. With more road deaths recorded so far this year compared to last year, Gardai and the Road Safety Authority say we can never be complacent about road safety. 56 people have died…

More than 70,000 Irish homes and premises - including over 1,000 in Co Mayo - are in danger of coastal flooding caused by climate change, according to new data compiled for the insurance industry. Dublin, Louth and Clare would suffer the greatest damage in…

The Bank of Ireland needs to clarify its plans for the future of the branch in Ballyhaunis. That's according to local solicitor Evan O'Dwyer, who has written to the Bank of Ireland CEO Francesca McDonagh on behalf of a number of local businesses and…

Restrictions on the length of workplace meetings due to Covid-19 will be in place for the foreseeable future. The Houses of the Oireachtas and the Courts are limiting sittings to under two hours, following HSE guidance, while the Health Minister will only…

Nurses at Mayo University Hospital claim the crossover of staff between Covid-19 patients and non-Covid patients has continued up to this week, despite a claim by the Saolta Hospital group that this practice had ceased a month ago. Following concerns…

Met Eireann has issued a status yellow wind warning for Mayo and Galway for tonight and tomorrow. Following a period of very mild weather, the two counties can expect south to southeast winds gusting to between 85 and 110 km/h, mainly in coastal areas and on…

The new lights installed by Irish Rail at the notorious Kilnageer railway crossing outside Castlebar, were commissioned yesterday. However, it remains a manual crossing, despite being located along a busy road that links Belcarra to Breaffy. It has been the…

A new drive-through test facility for coronavirus has opened today in Castlerea. The HSE has confirmed to Midwest News that, in line with their plans to increase Covid-19 testing, a new facility has opened today at the Castlerea Fire Station, which has been…

A Galway restauranteur and the CEO of Center Parcs in Longford are among the members of a new Tourism Recovery Taskforce, dedicated to spearheading economic recovery for the tourism sector. Minister Shane Ross says tourism is Ireland's largest indigenous…

A Lotto prize won two months ago in Roscommon Town has yet to be claimed. The ticket was sold at McNeill's Foodstore in Roscommon on Saturday 14th March, and is worth over €96,000. Shop owner Liam McNeill has taken to social media to appeal to customers to…

Surgical gowns, which were part of a consignment of faulty PPE sent from China to the HSE, are being modified at three HSE Mental Health Service Training Centres across Co Roscommon to make them useable. On arrival from China, the sleeves of the surgical…

A Mayo TD is calling on Government to sort out the anomaly where women returning from maternity leave are not entitled to the Covid-19 Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme. The scheme enables employees to receive State supports through their employer's payroll in…

The cancellation of the 2020 Croagh Patrick pilgrimage was announced yesterday by the Administrator in Westport, Fr Charlie McDonnell. The event has been cancelled due to public health concerns and the practicalities of adhering to social distancing rules…

Funding of over half a million euro has been allocated for improvement works at four piers and harbours in Co Mayo. Roonagh, Killala and Blacksod piers and Ballina Harbour will all benefit from the funding, which will be allocated through Mayo County Council…

Meanwhile, a further four Covid-19 clusters have been confirmed in meat processing plants in the past seven days, bringing the total to 16. They account for 828 cases, an increase of 328 over the week. Meat Industry Ireland says it's disappointed by the rise,…

Employers will no longer be told about their workers Covid-19 test results. Yesterday, the HSE confirmed the issue had been taking place in some 'exceptional' circumstances. However, it now says the practice is being suspended as it seeks advice on the matter…

A further 16 people with Covid-19 have died. 51 new cases have also been confirmed this evening. It brings the death toll from the virus to 1,561, while there are 24,251 confirmed cases in this country.

Mayo County Council has delayed the reopening of the Croagh Patrick carpark at Murrisk. This comes following confirmation this morning that the annual Reek Sunday pilgrimage, which takes place on the last Sunday in July, has been cancelled this year due to…

The Data Protection Commission is examining complaints it has received in relation to Covid 19 test results being made available to employers before staff members. It centres on tests carried out at certain facilities. Individuals have expressed shock and…

The emergency phase of COVID-19 may be with us for months or years according to the head of the Department of Health. Jim Breslin has said the virus will be an ever-present danger for the foreseeable future. The Dáil's new COVID-19 committee is holding a…

Irish Water and Roscommon County Council are carrying out emergency repairs to a burst watermain, which is impacting on customers in Cloonfad, Clooneish and surrounding areas of south Roscommon. Consumers in these areas may experience low water pressure or…

Argos has reopened some of its stores, as part of the easing of restrictions, for online reservation orders only. The Argos stores at Hopkins Road in Castlebar, Headford Road in Galway and Cleveragh Retail Park in Sligo have reopened but only for online…

The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council has called on the executive of the local authority to immediately restore funding under the GMA fund, a fund that provides important monies to a wide variety of voluntary and community groups. Speaking to Midwest Radio…

Mayo Fine Gael Minister Michael Ring told Midwest Radio News this morning that he may have to consider not speaking at private parliamentary party meetings in the future, after he found himself extensively quoted from yesterday’s private meeting of Fine Gael.…

Reek Sunday 2020 has been cancelled.It’s another casualty of the Covid 19 pandemic Local administrator Fr Charlie McDonnell appeals to pilgrims to respect what he terms “the difficult decision”. The decision has been taken after extensive consultation with…

Aldi has now submitted an official planning application for a new store to develop the Deanwood Hotel site in Ballina , a premises that has been derelict for many years. The German company has applied to Mayo County Council for permission to demolish the…

While nationally the number of new confirmed cases of Covid-19 falls significantly, it continues to rise in Mayo - with 5 additional cases yesterday. The figures announced yesterday evening show 4 more people have died from Covid-19 in the Republic of…

A further four people have died from Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland, while another 88 cases of the virus have also been confirmed. It means the death toll now stands at 1,547. There's also now a total of 24,200 confirmed cases.

Councillors in the West Mayo Municipal District were informed today that the GMA funding for 2020 - which provides grants for community and voluntary organisations - has been "paused". Council officials said the funding approved by councillors will not be…

Workers who are returning to work today, and who had been claiming the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment are advised to close their claim for the payment today, to make sure they will not lose out in getting their payment for this week. The payment is…

Funding which was allocated for agricultural shows this year can be used in 2021, where shows are being cancelled due to Covid-19. That's according to the Mayo-based Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring. Minister Ring says that, late last…

The flu vaccine is being made available free of charge for children aged 2 to 12 years of age. Health Minister Simon Harris has also announced that at-risk groups, aged from 6 months to 69 years can also get the vaccine free of charge. Minister Harris says a…

Queues have been reported outside a number of business premises in Castlebar this morning, as today marks the first phase of easing the Covid-19 restrictions. Garden centres, DIY stores, golf courses and tennis courses have opened, construction workers have…

Cong Abbey in Mayo is one of a number of tourism heritage sites reopening to the public today, under the first phase of easing Covid-19 restrictions. The OPW has announced a gradual reopening strategy , ensuring that sites can only reopen where it is possible…

Gardai are investigating after fire equipment, with an estimated value of over €2,000 was taken from the scene of a blaze in Gorthaganny while the fire service were dealing with a gorse fire. Units of Ballaghaderreen, Ballyhaunis, Charlestown and Swinford…

Fianna Fáil's calling for meat factories to be closed until staff have tested negative for Covid-19. There are at least 12 outbreaks in plants across the country - and more than 550 cases. Fianna Fáil says all staff in meat factories should be tested even if…

The Trade Union Federation is calling on building firms to ensure workers are given maximum protection when they return to work today. The union which includes SIPTU, BATU and CONNECT says employees need written assurances on how the safety regulations will…

There isn't going to be a frenzy at hardware stores as they reopen today, according to the head of Woodies DIY. Garden centres and hardware shops are back open this morning as part of the first easing of Coronavirus restrictions. Woodies chairman Declan…

The leaders of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party will meet to discuss government formation today. The negotiations themselves will also resume this morning, with a focus on housing. A row broke out between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael over the weekend,…

Ireland is slowly starting to reopen this morning after weeks of Covid-19 restrictions. Health officials are urging people to be cautious as phase one of the roadmap gets under way. From this morning hardware, electrical, IT and phone sales shops will all…

Any person that received a SUSI grant over the last two years should automatically receive their grant for the forthcoming academic year. That’s the view of Ballinrobe based Councillor Michael Burke who says that unless you won the lotto your circumstances…

10 more people with COVID-19 have died. There have now been a total 1,543 COVID-19 related deaths in the country. 64 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 have also been confirmed bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 24,112. There are five new cases in…

A concerted effort should be made to secure the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil for county Mayo in 2023/24. That’s the view of the Cathaoirleach of Westport/Belmullet Municipal District Christy Hyland. The Independent councillor made the proposal at this week’s…

On the Saturday of the Mayo Bank Holiday weekend just past, virtual Mayo Day 2020 took place. It was a virtual event due to the national pandemic lockdown that the country was, and remains in. Hosted by Mayo County Council, the success of Mayo Day this year…

The owner of a Galway car dealership believes car emission reduction targets in the Climate Action Plan are 'totally unrealistic'. James McCormack is the owner of Western Motors in Ballybrit, County Galway and is the Western Region representative for the…

The Green Party leader says the next week will be 'crucial' in government formation talks. Officials from the party, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail are discussing forming a coalition. Last week the focus was on Justice, Finance and Brexit, with talks expected to…

There's been a roughly 10 percent increase in attendances and admissions at Emergency Departments in the past week. However they still remain well below what they were this time last year - down 23 and 18 percent respectively. Chief Operations Officer with…

The Health Minister says Ireland's now at a 'crucial moment' in its fight against Covid-19. Simon Harris' comments come as the first phase of the government's plan to ease restrictions comes into effect tomorrow. Dr Kevin Kelleher from the HSE says sticking…

Some non-Covid patients will be tested before entering hospital for elective surgeries. The Business Post reports it's part of the HSE's plan to resume normal service, after non-urgent care was postponed in March due to the pandemic. Procedures that cause…

Emergency services attended the scene of a farm accident at Keelogues, Ballyvary, Castlebar yesterday. A man received what are described as non life threatening injuries when a tractor overturned in a field. The man was taken to hospital from the scene by…

The country's Chief Medical Officer says yesterday was the first time we've seen the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus fall below 100 since mid-March. There were 92 new confirmed cases of the virus. Another 15 people have died in the Republic, bringing…

The Local Enterprise Office will play a major role in local businesses getting back up and running once restrictions are lifted. Ballinrobe Councillor Michael Burke told this week’s County Council meeting that the LEO Office should contact every rate payer in…

Members of the Mayo Fire Service are currently at the scene of a forest fire in the Swinford area. The fire broke out at a Coillte plantation in the Midfield area earlier this afternoon and the alarm was raised at around 2pm. One unit of the fire service are…

Three people in Erris are running 600km this month to raise funds for the Belmullet Hospital Comfort Care Fund. The event is being organised by Mai Sweeney whose Grandmother recently passed away at the hospital but the family were overwhelmed with the…

There is an immediate need for a helpline to be set up where a bereaved person can speak directly to a psychologist or a bereavement counsellor to deal with the very different funeral service for any loved one during the present pandemic lockdown. That’s the…

Commercial vehicle roadworthiness testing centres will reopen from Monday. It will be available for vans and cars that were due for a check before March 28th. The Road Safety Authority say if any of the 150 centres across the country cannot follow safety…

The Vice President of the European Parliament says she's concerned by the lack of progress being made in Brexit negotiations. This weeks talks between the UK and EU ended with disagreements on both sides - EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier said the UK's…

Plans on how to hold a general election during the Covid-19 pandemic are being drawn up by government. It'll see voting spread out over a number of days, there'll be postal votes for 'cocooners' and polling stations in nursing homes. According to the Irish…

The government's being called on to make a U-turn on its decision not to make it mandatory for people to wear face coverings on public transport. The state's recommending people use them on public transport and in shops. But SIPTU's John Murphy says a rethink…

Parents are being urged to monitor their children for symptoms, as concerns grow over a new rare inflammatory syndrome, thought to be linked to Covid-19. 7 children here have already been investigated for the condition, called PIMS, while there are 230…

A further 16 people with COVID19 have died. 1,518 people have now lost their lives from the virus in the Republic of Ireland. 129 new cases were confirmed yesterday bringing the total number of cases in the country to 23,956. The number of cases across…

Phase one of the easing of Coronavirus restrictions will begin next week. Cabinet has signed off on the move which will see construction sites, DIY and hardware stores open from Monday. People will also be allowed to play golf or tennis and meet in groups of…

More than 7,200 children are waiting for an assessment for physiotherapy with the HSE. According to the latest figures, nearly 1,200 kids have been on the waiting list for over a year. They include over 201 in Galway as well as significant number of people…

A number of Swinford homes were in danger when a forest fire engulfed a Coillte plantation yesterday evening. Mayo Fire Service confirmed that there was a “threat in the early stages to some dwellings” after the fire in Midfield was reported with four fire…

The funeral of the Argentinian Ambassador to Ireland has taken place in Foxford. Laura Bernal died suddenly at her home in Dublin last month. The ambassador was buried in Foxford, in recognition of the town's strong links with Argentina. Ms Bernal was…

It could take up to two years to clear the backlog of elective surgeries which were cancelled due to Covid-19. New research from the University of Birmingham says 28 million surgeries worldwide could be cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic. There's…

Three men have been arrested after Gardaí in Frenchpark and Castlerea seized more than €15,000 worth of cash and cannabis herb as part of an ongoing operation into the sale and supply of drugs in the area. Gardaí conducted a search of a property in the…

Independent TD Denis Naughten has said many people working in the meat processing sector are afraid to speak out about concerns over Covid-19 safety and hygiene measures in meat production plants. The Roscommon TD says that many workers from non-national…

A Mayo family have called for an investigation into why patients suspected of having been infected with Covid-19 were cared for on the same ward as non-Covid patients. It follows the death of Bellacorrick man Jackie Carolan, who was admitted to the hospital…

Fianna Fáil is demanding a Dáil debate on historical sexual abuse in the Irish scouting movement. An internal review commissioned by Scouting Ireland by child safeguarding expert Ian Elliot has found it's hard to determine the full extent of the problem…

A car being driven at 204km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N5 in Mayo shortly after midnight on Wednesday (May 130 was detected by gardai. The gardai pursued and stopped the car. The driver was found in possession of a small quantity of cocaine (subject to…

There are fears contact tracing may not have occurred for Covid-19 patients at one hospital in the country. It's after an unnamed facility only told authorities of around 250 confirmed cases, some from as far back as March, yesterday evening. As a result, all…

The Argentine Ambassador to Ireland Laura Bernal will be laid to rest in Foxford this afternoon. Her funeral Mass will take place in St Michael’s Church in Foxford at 12 noon. The late ambassador died suddenly last month. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions,…

The Department of Agriculture has launched a new app for registering calves online. Calf-Reg is now available free of charge to all herd keepers that have a smart phone. In 2019 over 70% of calves born were registered on the Animal Identification and Movement…

Ballina enjoyed more than 1.5 million euro of an economic boost earlier this year, when the town hosted the “Other Voices” festival. This was the second year in a row that the popular festival, that results in the production of three TV programmes for RTE,…

An online fundraiser for a Mayo man, who was injured in a farm accident last month, has received an overwhelming response. Father of three Patrick McDonnell, a member of staff with Mayo County Council, and a native of Straide who lives now in Castlebar,…

The Taoiseach says he's increasingly confident that Coronavirus restrictions can begin to be unwound from next week. The National Public Health Emergency Team is meeting today and its advice will be considered by cabinet Ministers tomorrow. Leo Varadkar has…

With Government formation talks continuing between Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Green Party, a Mayo Councillor says there are a number of red-line issues of importance to this county, and to the region, which should form part of any Programme for…

The HSE is hoping turnaround times for a Covid test will be three days, from next Monday. The Health Executive says it's been working to update its technology to automate results. Latest figures show there are 23,400 confirmed cases here and 1,497 people have…

A fire warning has been issued by Bord na Mona and the Fire Service. The two organisations are warning that, at this time of year, the countryside is exposed to a higher risk of fire. Fire puts the lives of firefighters at risk, as well as causing major…

Ballina enjoyed more than 1.5 million euro of an economic boost earlier this year, when the town hosted the “Other Voices” festival. This was the second year in a row that the popular festival, that results in the production of three TV programmes for RTE,…

A Clare Island fisherman has launched High Court proceedings aimed at stopping the laying of fibre optic cable off the Mayo coast, as part of a multi-million international communication project. James O’Toole has brought a legal challenge against the granting…

A zero VAT rate is needed for the hospitality sector to give businesses hope for when they re-open - that's according to Sligo-Leitrim TD Marian Harkin, who says tourism-related businesses across the region are currently faced with increasing costs, and are…

The childcare plan for healthcare workers has been scrapped due to a lack of providers. The scheme, which was due to be rolled out from Monday, would see childminders go into the homes of healthcare staff at a cost of 90 euro a week per family. However,…

The National Public Health Emergency Team meets this morning, a day earlier than expected, to consider what advice it will give on easing some Covid-19 restrictions from next Monday. They'll also decide their position on people wearing masks in shops and on…

The Taoiseach says re-opening schools and creches could be one of the safest things the government does when Covid 19 restrictions are eased. The health watchdog says it appears children aren't substantially contributing to the spread of coronavirus in their…

Customers can enable The Irish Radioplayer using the Alexa app by saying “Alexa, enable Irish Radioplayer.” Once enabled, customers can start using Irish Radioplayer on demand using just their voice, by saying “Alexa, ask Irish Radioplayer to play Midwest…

Journalists John Waters and Gemma O'Doherty have been refused permission to challenge the emergency legislation that introduced the Covid-19 restrictions. They wanted the High Court to allow them to bring a judicial review, as part of an attempt to have the…

A Mayo TD has welcomed the Government's new "Tie-up" scheme for fishermen, to help address their loss of income during the Covid-19 pandemic, but has called on Minister Michael Creed to consider backdating the scheme to the start of this month. The Covid-19…

Plans are being finalised in Foxford for the funeral on Friday of Ambassador Laura Bernal, the Argentine Ambassador to Ireland. Since taking up the position in March 2016, Ambassador Bernal, who passed away in Dublin two weeks ago, had visited Foxford a…

Calls are being made to ensure that Pieta House in Tuam is retained as a fully operative centre, and not downgraded. Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Sean Canney says the executive of Pieta House is proposing to downgrade 9 of its existing 15…

As demand for ventilators increases during the Covid-19 pandemic, staff at the GMIT School of Engineering have designed and developed a new type of emergency mechanical ventilator that can be produced rapidly and inexpensively to assist the medical…

Applications are now open for a €35 million Covid-19 Stability Fund, which will provide one-off grant aid to organisations providing critical services for the most vulnerable in society. The Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring is urging…

At least 169 people have been waiting at least a year to be seen by the HSE's National Counselling Service. All of those waiting over a year are based in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. The HSE figures, released under the Freedom of Information Act, reveal there…

The Chief Medical Officer says there are encouraging signs the country WILL be in a position to start easing the lockdown next week. Phase one of the government's plan is due to begin on Monday, which includes the resumption of outdoor work and the reopening…

There have been a further 24 deaths here due to Covid-19, while another 107 cases of the virus have also been confirmed. It means the total death toll in the Republic now stands at 1,488. There are also 23,242 total confirmed cases.

A 52-year-old Mayo man who groomed a 16-year-old boy before engaging in sexual acts with him has been given a two-and-a-half year prison sentence. Patrick Lynn of Greenhills Estate, Ballina admitted two charges of defilement of a child under the age of 17…

A nursing home in Roscommon has confirmed a high number of Covid-19 cases among its residents and staff. 22 residents and 16 staff at the Cloverhill Nursing Home have tested positive for the virus following recent tests. The Cloverhill nursing home is run by…

The death has taken place of well-known artist Cecil Maguire, at the age of 90. A native of Lurgan in Co Armagh, he spent much of his time in the West of Ireland, and painted the Connemara landscape while living in the Roundstone area. Cecil Maguire studied…